Paraporcellidium [Paraporcellidium]

Description

Paraporcellidium is a genus within the Porcellidiidae family, comprising marine copepods that are also adapted to life within the interstitial spaces of sandy marine substrates. Similar to its relatives, this genus exhibits morphological adaptations suited for a life buried in sand, including a streamlined body to ease movement through tight spaces and appendages designed for digging and grabbing onto particles. They are distinguished from close relatives by subtle differences in the morphology of their antennae, mouthparts, and reproductive structures. Paraporcellidium copepods are important components of the marine ecosystem, participating in nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for small predators in the benthic zone.

Species

Paraporcellidium species [Paraporcellidium sibogae]

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Taxonomy